Abstract: The inhibitory effects of different kinds and concentrations of inert powders on corn starch explosion were investigated by the thermo—gravimetric analyzer and 20 L explosion ball experiment system. And the optimal ratio is determined. The explosive residue of the sample was analyzed by Fourier transform spectroscopy. The change of active functional groups before and after detonation suppression was quantitatively characterized. The mechanism of detonation suppression of inert powder was analyzed. The results showed that NaHCO3, Al（OH）3 and melamine polyphosphate can reduce the oxidation rate of corn starch, increase the difficulty of its oxidation reaction, and reduce the risk of explosion. Melamine polyphosphate of 20% mass fraction was determined as the optimal inhibition powder. It can generate PO·, HPO· etc. and react with H· and OH·, breaking the combustion chain reaction, delaying the oxidation process of starch, and inhibiting the production of volatile matter.

Key words: corn starch, detonation characteristics, explosion suppressor, explosion pressure, inhibition mechanism